Rising star Adrian Lewis advanced to the second round of the Stan James World Matchplay in Blackpool today with a 10-6 win over Matt Clark.
The 21-year-old Stoke sensation, who practises with 13-time world champion Phil 'The Power' Taylor, produced a mid-game surge before closing out victory with a successful attempt at double six.
Clark moved 2-1 ahead at the start of the match but Lewis is a heavy scorer and reeled off four straight legs to take control.
His advantage was cut to one as Clark fought back well - but Lewis moved four clear and 'Superman' was unable to respond.
'I was a bit disappointed with some of my doubles,' admitted Lewis afterwards.
'However, Matt put in a few 140-plus scores so I was pleased with the win.'
Earlier this afternoon Lionel Sams edged a tense battle with Terry Jenkins 10-7 to clinch his place in the second round for the first time in three attempts.
Andy Hamilton, the man who knocked out Raymond van Barneveld in the qualifying competition, secured another memorable victory this afternoon.
The 39-year-old, who is in great form having reached the quarter-finals of the Las Vegas Desert Classic just a few weeks ago, crushed fourth seed Peter Manley 10-2.
Hamilton looked unstoppable after edging 3-2 ahead at the first break, finishing with a three-dart average of 95.36 and four 180s.
He will face fellow Stoke player Lewis in a mouth-watering second-round clash tomorrow night.
'I was getting better the longer the game went,' said Hamilton afterwards.
'I loved it up there on the stage and the crowd were brilliant.
'My best win was qualifying against van Barneveld but it was another big scalp and a convincing win as well, superb win.'
Chris Mason overcame former world champion Steve Beaton 10-6.
Mason, whose last appearance at the Winter Gardens was against Taylor in 2002 when 'The Power' produced the first live televised nine-darter, found his form in the latter stages to move clear.
Beaton nailed double 16 to close the gap to 7-6 but Mason reeled off three successive legs - including a 120 checkout under pressure - to close out the match.
